Charlie Zimmerman said he is running for Bellevue City Council to bring a new voice and perspective to the council while representing residents who want their concerns heard.
Zimmerman grew up in Bellevue, attended Bellevue schools and later left the city to serve in the U.S. Army before returning. He said he has attended city meetings, volunteered with local organizations and spent time listening to residents throughout Bellevue’s neighborhoods.
Zimmerman faces Mike Almoslechner, Chasity Bothman, Steve Guidugli, Kara Harp, Shauna Kruse, Tammy Nolan and John “Jack” Ondeck in the Nov. 3 general election.
“To me, public service is about being accessible, doing the homework, following through, and helping where you can,” Zimmerman said.
If elected, Zimmerman said his first priority would be bringing residents’ concerns and ideas before council. During his campaign, he said he has heard recurring concerns about pedestrian safety, streets, sidewalks, traffic and aging infrastructure.
Zimmerman said he hopes the new mayor and council in 2027 continue Bellevue’s annual “Vision Session” to incorporate residents’ concerns into the city’s priorities and follow through on them.
Zimmerman said he also wants to strengthen transparency and ethical standards in city government while encouraging economic development that benefits the community. He said development should support city services and infrastructure while protecting green space and preserving Bellevue’s character.
Zimmerman said he wants the city to consider both its immediate needs and what residents want Bellevue to look like 10 or 20 years from now.